Southbend South Bend SB1027 - Manual (Page 40)

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For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 Model SB1027 O P E R A T I O N
Using the Auto-Downfeed System
When using the auto-downfeed system, the
spindle will move in the direction you choose
with the auto-downfeed direction pin. When the
quill dog reaches the top or meets the downfeed
stop, the downfeed clutch lever releases. Then, if
the spindle was traveling upward, the movement
simply stops. If the spindle was traveling
downward, then the spindle moves back to the
top at a rate controlled by the return spring on
the left side of the head.
To use the auto-downfeed system:
1. Make sure that the spindle rotation is turned
OFF and the spindle is at a complete stop.
2. To set the mill for auto-downfeed, pull the
downfeed selector knob out, then rotate the
selector clockwise and seat the pin in the
rear auto-downfeed (engaged) position, as
illustrated in Figure 40.
Figure 40. Downfeed selector in the auto-downfeed
(engaged) position.
Manual (Disengaged) Position
Auto-Downfeed (Engaged) Position
4. Position the auto-downfeed direction pin for
the spindle travel that is correct for your
operation. It may be necessary to rock the
fine downfeed handwheel back-and-forth to
move the pin all the way in or out.
Note: The direction pin has three positions: 1)
In for one downfeed direction, 2) middle for
neutral or no movement, and 3) out for the
reverse direction. The direction of spindle
travel for the in and out positions is relative
to the direction of spindle rotation. Keep in
mind that spindle rotation and downfeed
direction will reverse when the spindle speed
range is changed.
5. Make sure the clutch lever is all the way to
the right in the disengaged position so that
the spindle will not travel when rotation is
started.
Note: We recommend that you complete the
remaining steps without a cutting tool
installed, without a workpiece in place, and
the table lower than the maximum spindle
downfeed travel. This will enable you to test
and confirm the settings before beginning
the actual cutting operation.
3. Position the downfeed stop for the spindle
depth that is correct for your operation, then
secure it in place with the locking wheel.
6. Set the mill for the correct spindle speed,
then begin spindle rotation.
To avoid damage to the system gearing, never
use the auto-downfeed system with spindle
speeds over 3000 RPM.